If you're going to San Francisco...

Be sure to wear flowers in your hair. Or at least that's what the song says to do. We opted not to do that, and instead booked some fabulous tours. Now that the marathon was done, it was time for us girls to have some fun!

First up was Alcatraz. Also known as The Rock!. I had heard good things about this tour before we went. People who had been had raved about it! And with good reason. It's a REALLY well done tour. You take a boat out to the island and can walk around a bit once you get there. When you enter the prison cell building make sure you pick up the free audio tour guide. Now I'm not usually a fan of the audio tour. I rarely get them when I go to museums. But this audio guide is a MUST. First of all, there was not much written info offered before hand, nor were there many signs or fact on the walls (like you get in a gallery or museum). The audio guide is narrated by former prison guards and prisoners (ekk!) who direct you around the building and tell you stories about it's history - the battle of Alcatraz, the famous escape from the Rock, famous prisoners, and life on the island (guards families with young children lived there?!?!). While walking around outside you also get fantastic views of San Francisco and the surrounding area. I personally went a little photo crazy! The whole tour only takes a couple of hours and should not be missed. But be sure to book your tickets in advance. The tours sell out everyday, so if you just show up on the day you want to go, you'll likely be S.O.L

The second tour booked was the one I was REALLY excited about. A wine tour through Napa!! A comfy shuttle bus picked us up in the morning we drove us out to wine country. Once the morning fog cleared we got to see that Napa is unbelievably beautiful. Miles of mountains, and vines with the warm California sunshine beating down on us. We got to visit four wineries - Domaine Chandon, V. Sattui, Whitehall Winery, Franciscan. The sparkling wine offered at Domaine Chandon had me quickly feeling a little tipsy (and it was only 10:30am), so you knew you were in for a fun day! A picnic lunch by the vineyard and a fabulous tasting at V. Sattui soon followed. Whitehall Winery had us walk through their processing area (very cool to see), and at the Franciscan we sampled wine among the vines, picking the grapes to try with it. The day was absolutely perfect! By the time the bus dropped us off at the dock for the ferry boat ride back to the pier, I was seriously considering a career change. I'd happily move to Napa and pick grapes for a living!